When temperatures drop, we tend to choose our outfits based on warmth and coziness rather than chic factor. Unfortunately, enormous puffer coats aren't exactly seen as the most flattering or fashion-forward of outerwear options... until now. Making a puffer coat look stylish is all about balancing proportions and adding on-trend accessories to make this tricky piece more catwalk and less soccer mom. Check out these three cute ways to rock a puffer coat and you'll be both trendy and toasty on campus this winter!
1. Sporty and streamlined
Puffer coats don't necessarily have to be enormous, and this streamlined Karlie Wet Look Longline Puffer Coat ($35 at boohoo) sits close to your body, making it more flattering. Since puffer coats disguise your top half, it's important to emphasize your figure with dark skinny jeans, like these Topshop Moto 'Jamie' Ripped High-Rise Ankle Skinny Jeans in Black ($70 at Nordstrom) and boots in another dark color, to create the illusion of longer legs. We love these Lace-Up Combat Boots ($39.90 at Forever 21) because they're versatile and easy to walk in but still add a bit of height to an outfit. To keep this look sporty, throw on a sleek backpack, like this functional Nike Brasilia Backpack in Black ($34.99 at Famous Footwear). Finally, break up the all-black look with a pop of color, like this Must-Have Skater Beanie in Neon Yellow ($2.80 at Forever 21). There you have it: snuggly and sporty!
2. Cozy casual
For a puffer coat that looks modern and trendy, opt for a parka-puffer hybrid, like this Army Green Down Coat ($69 at Lookbook Store). Pair it with cozy sweater dress that is just long enough to poke out under your coat, like this HEATTECH Knit Long Sleeve Dress in Beige ($29.90 at UNIQLO). Rather than pairing the dress with tights, go for something a little more unexpected, like these Cozy Wool Socks in Ivory ($24 at Hanna Andersson). The tiny bit of skin you'll be showing will balance out the figure-hiding puffer coat! Make knee-high socks work by wearing them under classic riding boots, like these two-tone Women's Karri Tall Riding Boots ($31.99 at Target). Add one last touch of warmth with a textured, neutral scarf, like this With Love from CA Popcorn Knit Fringe Scarf in Ivory ($24.95 at PacSun) to complete the look. Cute enough for a daytime date and casual enough for class!
3. Easy elegance
When it comes to holiday parties, it can be tough to find a coat that will keep you warm while wearing a dress and which won't completely ruin your carefully constructed masterpiece of an outfit. This Ultra Light Shawl Collar Coat in Off White ($79.90 at UNIQLO) does just that! This no-frills coat is timeless and the color makes it dressy enough for a party, plus the longer length will keep you toasty all night! To keep the coat from swallowing you, streamline your bottom half with opaque black tights, like these SPANX High-Waisted Tight End Tights in Black ($38 at Revolve Clothing) and the tallest pair of black heels you can comfortably(!) walk in. Our pick? These Padma Platform Pumps in Black ($39.90 at Akira). Keep the rest of your holiday look classic by rocking this gorgeous and unique Scallop Lace Romper ($48 at Miss Selfridge) and pairing it with piece of statement jewelry in a festive color, like this Blu Bijoux Gold and Coral Mini Bubble Necklace ($24 at Max & Chloe). With the right cut and color, your puffer coat can actually add to a glamorous party look, not detract from it!
With these styling tips, you'll never have to choose between warmth and fashion every again—you'll never have to suffer that freezing cold 15 minute walk to class again! Go ahead, pull out that puffer coat your mom made you pack and start experimenting with different ways to make it both chic and cozy, so you can stay toasty and turn heads (in a good way!) this winter.